The anti-inflammatory properties of Turnera subulata have been evaluated as an alternative drug approach to treating several inflammatory processes. Accordingly, in this study, aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of T. subulata flowers and leaves were analyzed regarding their phytocomposition by ultrafast liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and their anti-inflammatory properties were assessed by an in vitro inflammation model, using LPS-stimulated RAW-264.7 macrophages. The phytochemical profile indicated vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside as an important constituent in both extracts, while methoxyisoflavones, some bulky amino acids (e.g., tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine), pheophorbides, and octadecatrienoic, stearidonic, and ferulic acids were detected in hydroalcoholic extracts. The extracts displayed the ability to modulate the in vitro inflammatory response by altering the secretion of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines and inhibiting the PGE-2 and NO production. Overall, for the first time, putative compounds from T. subulata flowers and leaves were characterized, which can modulate the inflammatory process. Therefore, the data highlight this plant as an option to obtain extracts for phytotherapic formulations to treat and/or prevent chronic diseases.
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes. Compounds with antioxidant properties, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), can reduce cellular imbalance caused by an increase in ROS. CoQ10 participates in modulating redox homeostasis due to its antioxidant activity and its preserving mitochondrial functions. Thus, the present study demonstrated the protective effects of CoQ10 against oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by arsenic (As). Antioxidant capacity, formation of hydroperoxides, generation of ROS, and the effect on cellular viability of CoQ10, were investigated to determine the protective effect of CoQ10 against As and pro-oxidant compounds, such as zinc. Cell viability assays showed that CoQ10 is cytoprotective under cellular stress conditions, with potent antioxidant activity, regardless of the concentration tested. Zn, when used at higher concentrations, can increase ROS and show a pro-oxidant effect causing cell damage. The cytotoxic effect observed for As, Zn, or the combination of both could be prevented by CoQ10, without any decrease in its activity at cellular levels when combined with Zn.
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